Carton

ABSTRACT

A carton ( 1 ) having a first end and a second end; a plurality of side panels ( 9, 11 ); and a sloping face at the first end of the carton. The sloping face is defined by a first triangular lid panel ( 3 ) at the first carton end. A first edge of the first triangular lid panel ( 3 ) is connected along a foldline ( 15 ) to the end of a first one of the side panels at the first carton end. The carton includes a second triangular lid panel ( 5 ) at the first end of the carton providing an end face for the carton at the first carton end. A first edge of the second triangular lid panel ( 5 ) is connected to a second edge of the first triangular lid panel ( 3 ) along a foldline ( 17 ). The carton includes a plurality of lid support panels underlying the first and second triangular lid panels ( 3,5 ) at the first carton end.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a carton, and in particular, a cartonhaving a sloping face.

The present invention is particularly, although not exclusively,directed to a carton having a sloping face at at least one end thereof,which may be more readily erected using a machine. Previously knowncartons including a sloping face have required manual steps to beperformed in order to erect the carton.

The present invention also extends to a blank for use in obtaining acarton in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects orembodiments, and a method of erecting the blank.

The packaging is made of a foldable sheet material, such as cardboard,paperboard, or other lightweight foldable sheet material. Any suitablefoldable sheet material may be used, for example a plastic sheetmaterial may be used.

SUMMARY

From a first aspect of the invention there is provided;

a carton having a first end and a second end, a plurality of sidepanels, and a sloping face at the first end of the carton, wherein thesloping face is defined by a first triangular lid panel at the first endof the carton, wherein a first edge of the first triangular lid panel isconnected along a foldline to the end of a first one of the side panelsat the first end of the carton, the carton further comprising a secondtriangular lid panel at the first end of the carton providing an endface for the carton at the first end of the carton, wherein a first edgeof the second triangular lid panel is connected to a second edge of thefirst triangular lid panel along a foldline, the carton furthercomprising a plurality of lid support panels underlying the first andsecond triangular lid panels at the first end of the carton.

It has been found that providing first and second triangular lid panels,one for providing an end face i.e. endmost face of the carton at thefirst end thereof, and one for providing a sloping face of the carton atthe first end, with the first and second triangular lid panels beingattached along respective foldlines to a first side panel of the carton,and to each other, results in a carton with a sloping face which may bereadily erected by a machine. The first and second triangular lid panelsare folded along the respective foldlines connecting them to the firstside panel of the carton and to each other, and used to close the openfirst end of the carton during assembly thereof. In some embodiments,the first triangular lid panel may provide the only sloping face of thecarton. However, in other embodiments the carton comprises a slopingface at a second end thereof.

A first edge of the first triangular lid panel, which defines thesloping face of the carton at the first end thereof, is connected to theend of a first one of the plurality of side panels along a foldline atthe first end of the carton, and preferably to the end edge of the firstside panel. The foldline preferably defines an end edge of the firstside panel. The foldline preferably extends between and connects theside edges of the first side panel. The first edge of the firsttriangular lid panel preferably extends along the entire length of theend edge of the first side panel. The foldline along which the firstedge of the first triangular lid panel is connected to the end of thefirst side panel is preferably an inclined foldline. The end edge of thefirst side panel is therefore preferably inclined. The side edges of thefirst side panel are connected, preferably along foldlines, torespective adjacent side panels. The foldline along which the first edgeof the first triangular lid panel is connected to the end of the firstside panel may extend between and connect longer and shorter side edgesof the first panel. The first side panel further comprises an end edgeat the second end of the carton. The end edge at the second end may bedefined by a foldline which may connect the first side panel to one of aplurality of panels which provide a closed second end of the carton.

The first side panel to which the first triangular lid panel isconnected may be a trapezoidal panel. A trapezoidal panel as referred toherein has one pair of parallel sides. In some embodiments the firstside panel may be a right angled trapezoidal panel. The side edges ofthe panel then define right angles with an end edge of the panel at thesecond end of the carton. However, in other embodiments, for example,where the second end of the carton also includes a sloping face, theedge of the first side panel at the second end of the carton may be aninclined edge.

The first edge of the first triangular lid panel is connected along afoldline to the end of the first side panel at the first end of thecarton, and a second one of the edges of the first triangular lid panelis connected along a foldline to a first edge of the second triangularlid panel. The third edge of the first triangular lid panel ispreferably a free edge. A free edge as defined herein refers to an edgewhich is not connected to another panel along a foldline. The edge willbe an unattached edge in the blank from which the carton is assembled,but may be secured to another e.g. panel, such as by adhesive, in theerected carton. Preferably the third edge of the second triangular lidpanel is free from tabs or flaps. Preferably no construction formationsthus extend from the third edge of the second triangular lid panel.

A first edge of the second triangular lid panel is connected along afoldline to the second edge of the first triangular lid panel. The otheredges of the second triangular lid panel are preferably free edges.Preferably the other edges of the second triangular lid panel are freefrom tabs or flaps. Preferably no construction formations thus extendfrom the other edges of the second triangular lid panel.

The second triangular lid panel is preferably in the form of a flap. Thesecond triangular lid panel preferably provides a flat i.e. non-slopingend face to the carton at the first end thereof. The second triangularlid panel provides an endmost face to the carton at the first endthereof. The first triangular lid panel may slope away from the secondtriangular lid panel in a direction towards the second end of thecarton.

It will be appreciated that the first and second triangular lid panelsmay be of any suitable dimensions. The configuration of the first andsecond triangular lid panels may be selected as appropriate based on thedesired shape and configuration of the carton. The second triangular lidpanel may be of smaller area than the first triangular lid panel. Insome embodiments the second triangular lid panel is a right angledtriangle. The second and third edges of the second triangular lid panelmay then meet one another at approximately 90 degrees.

In the carton, the first triangular lid panel preferably extends betweenand connects the first side panel and an adjacent i.e. second one of theside panels at the first end of the carton. The third edge of the firsttriangular lid panel preferably extends along an end edge of the secondside panel at the first end of the carton, and preferably along theentire length thereof. The end edge of the second side panel ispreferably inclined. The third edge of the first triangular lid panelpreferably extends between and connects the side edges of the secondside panel. The side edges of the second side panel connect the secondside panel to adjacent side panels, and are preferably defined byrespective foldlines connecting the second side panel to the adjacentside panels. The end edge of the second side panel at the first end ofthe carton may connect longer and shorter side edges of the second sidepanel. The second side panel further comprises an end edge at the secondend of the carton. The end edge at the second end of the carton may bedefined by a foldline which may connect the second side panel to one ofa plurality of panels which provides a closed second end of the carton.

The second side panel is preferably a trapezoidal panel. The second sidepanel may be a right angled trapezoidal panel. The side edges of thepanel then define right angles with a bottom edge of the panel. However,in other embodiments, for example, where the second end of the cartonalso includes a sloping face, the edge of the second side panel at thesecond end of the carton may be an inclined edge.

The first triangular lid panel may define a point closest to the secondend of the carton corresponding to the point at which the first andthird edges of the first triangular panel meet. The point may correspondto the end of the line (e.g. a foldline) connecting the side edges ofthe first and second side panels of the carton which is closest to thefirst end of the carton.

In preferred embodiments in which the first and third edge of the firsttriangular lid panel are connected to inclined edges of the first andsecond side panels respectively at the first end of the carton, theinclined edges may be inclined toward the second end of the carton tomeet at the end of a line e.g. a foldline connecting the side edges ofthe adjacent first and second side panels which is closest to the firstend of the carton. Where the first and second side panels each compriselonger and shorter side edges, the line defines the shorter side edgesof the first and second side panels. The end edges of the first andsecond side panels at the first end of the carton extend toward thesecond end of the carton from apexes corresponding to the ends ofopposite (longer) side edges of the first and second panels at the firstend of the carton. Where the first and second side panels are eachtrapezoidal in shape, they may be connected to one another along theshorter parallel sides of the trapezoids.

The second triangular lid panel preferably extends between and connectstwo (further) side panels of the carton, e.g. the third and fourth sidepanels. The second and third edges of the second triangular lid panelmay extend along the end edges of the third and fourth side panelsrespectively at the first end of the carton. The two further side panelsare preferably connected respectively e.g. along foldlines to the firstand second side panels.

In preferred embodiments two adjacent ones of the side panels of thecarton, the first and second side panels, are trapezoidal (having oneset of parallel sides, being the side edges), and the carton comprises afurther two adjacent side panels (the third and fourth side panels)which are parallelograms (having two sets of parallel sides, being theside edges and the end edges at the first and second ends of the cartonrespectively). The first triangular lid panel preferably extends betweenand connects the trapezoidal side panels (preferably connecting the endedges of the trapezoidal side panels at the first end of the carton),and the second triangular lid panel preferably extends between andconnects the parallelogram shaped side panels, (preferably connectingthe end edges of the parallelogram shaped side panels at the first endof the carton). It will be understood that such arrangements are merelyexemplary. Preferably the carton has four side panels.

The side panels of the carton may differ in size, even where they are ofthe same general shape. The dimensions of the side panels should beselected as appropriate to provide a desired configuration of carton.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the side panels may depend uponwhether the second end of the carton includes a sloping face. If asloping face is present at the second end, the ends of the side panelsat the second end of the carton may be shaped in a corresponding mannerto the side panels at the first end of the carton to allow them to beassociated with a corresponding arrangement of triangular lid panels andlid support panels. As discussed below, any triangular lid panelsprovided at the second end of the carton may be associated with the sameor different side panels to those with which the triangular lid panelsat the first end of the carton are associated.

Preferably, where the carton comprises first, second, third and fourthside panels, one of the third and fourth side panels comprises a glueflap extending along a side edge thereof, which is connected to theother one of the third and fourth side panels. This creates the closedsides of the carton. Preferably a third side panel adjacent the secondside panel comprises the glue flap. The glue flap may then underlie thefourth side panel. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the carton comprises,first, second, third and fourth side panels, the first and second sidepanels being connected to one another along a foldline, the second andthird side panels being connected to one another along a foldline, andthe first and fourth side panels being connected to one another along afoldline, the third and fourth side panels being connected to oneanother (in the assembled carton) through attachment of the glue flap ofthe third side panel to the fourth side panel. Of course, any othersuitable arrangement may be used. The glue flap may be attached to theother one of the third and fourth side panels, or glue flaps may beattached to each of the third and fourth side panels. Alternatively oradditionally, a different pair or pairs of the adjacent side panels maybe connected to one another by foldlines, with different ones of thepanels being connected using a glue flap or flaps. The side panels maybe provided by a plurality of blanks connected to one another.

In accordance with any of its aspects or embodiments, the carton furthercomprises a plurality of lid support panels underlying the first andsecond triangular lid panels at the first end of the carton. Preferablyeach lid support panel is in the form of a flap. Any suitablearrangement of lid support panels may be used to support the first andsecond triangular lid panels. At least one lid support panel underliesthe first triangular lid panel, and at least one lid support panelunderlies the second triangular lid panel. At least some of the lidsupport panels may overlap one another.

In some embodiments a plurality of lid support panels underlie thesecond triangular lid panel. The plurality of lid support panelsunderlying the second triangular lid panel are preferably overlappinglid support panels. The overlap is at least a partial overlap, and maybe only a partial overlap. However, it is envisaged that one or more lidsupport panel underlying the second triangular lid panel may extend overi.e. overlap the entire area of another lid support panel underlying thesecond triangular lid panel. Multiple overlapping lid support panels mayprovide greater support to the second triangular lid panel, and hencethe end face of the carton. In embodiments a single lid support panelunderlies the first triangular lid panel. In some embodiments a singlelid support panel underlies the first triangular lid panel and aplurality of lid support panels underlie the second triangular lidpanel.

The lid support panel or panels may extend over the entire area of theoverlying first or second triangular lid panel, or over only a portionthereof. Any suitable arrangement may be used which provides a desiredlevel of support. In preferred embodiments the one or more (andpreferably plurality) of lid support panels underlying the secondtriangular lid panel extend over the entire area thereof. It will beappreciated that in such embodiments, each lid support panel, where aplurality of lid support panels are provided, may extend over only aportion of the area of the second triangular lid panel with the lidsupport panels together extending over the entire area of the lid panel.In embodiments the or each lid support panel (and, preferably only asingle lid support panel) underlying the first triangular lid supportpanel extends over only a portion of the area thereof.

The first and second triangular lid panels are preferably adhesivelysecured to respective ones of the lid support panels. A given lidsupport panel may, and typically does, underlie only one of the firstand second triangular lid panels.

Each lid support panel is preferably associated with a respective sidepanel of the carton, and is preferably connected e.g. along a foldlineto the side panel. Each lid support panel is preferably connected to theend edge of its respective side panel at the first end of the carton. Inembodiments, the carton comprises a plurality of further side panels inaddition to the first side panel, and a lid support panel is connectedto i.e. the end edge of each of a plurality of the further side panelsof the carton at the first end of the carton, and preferably to eachsuch further side panel. Preferably a single lid support panel isconnected to each further side panel having a lid support panelconnected thereto. Preferably the carton comprises first, second, thirdand fourth side panels, and first, second and third lid support panelsare connected to the second, third and fourth side panels respectively.Each lid support panel is preferably connected to its respective sidepanel along a respective foldline. It has been found that providing onelid support panel in respect of the end edge of each of a plurality of,or each, further side panel, at the first end of the carton, mayfacilitate folding of the lid support panels into position using amachine.

In general, at least two lid support panels are provided, and preferablyat least three lid support panels are provided. In some embodiments,there may be one less lid support panel than the number of side panelsof the carton, with lid support panels being associated with the end ofeach of the side panels at the first end of the carton other than thefirst side panel having the first triangular lid panel connectedthereto.

It will be appreciated that a lid support panel need not extend alongthe entire length of the end edge of a side panel with which it isassociated. For example, in some exemplary embodiments with first tofourth side panels and first to third lid support panels, the second andthird lid support panels extend over the entire length of the end edgeof the third and fourth side panels respectively at the first end of thecarton, but the first lid support panel only extends along a portion ofthe length of the end edge of the second panel at the first end of thecarton. The extent of a lid support panel along an end edge of a sidepanel may be selected as desired to facilitate folding and handling ofthe lid support panel, and location of the respective triangular lidpanel thereover.

The lid support panels may or may not overlap one another to providesupport to the first and second triangular lid panels. Where overlap ispresent, this may be at least partial overlap, and need not (althoughmay) be full overlap. In some embodiments there is overlap between atleast some of the lid support panels e.g. where first, second and thirdlid support panels are provided connected to second, third and fourthside panels, an overlap may be present between the second and third lidsupport panels. In some embodiments having first, second and third lidsupport panels, one of the second and third lid support panels overliesthe other of the second and third lid support panels. In preferredembodiments the second lid support panel overlies the third lid supportpanel. The second lid support panel may overlap at least a portion, andpreferably only a portion of the third lid support panel. Inembodiments, there is no overlap between the first lid support panel andeither of the second or third lid support panels. The second triangularlid panel may overlie both the second and third support panels. Thefirst triangular lid panel may overlie the first lid support panel. Inembodiments the second triangular lid panel does not overlie the firstlid support panel and the first triangular lid support panel does notoverlie the second or the third lid support panel. In preferredembodiments the first and second triangular lid panels overlie, and arepreferably adhesively secured, to respective ones of the lid supportpanels.

While in the above embodiments, the securing of the triangular lidpanels to the respective lid support panel(s), or, in some cases, thesecurement of the lid support panel(s) to one another, has beendescribed as an adhesive attachment, any suitable attachment may be usede.g. thermal etc. Thus, any reference to adhesive securement may bereplaced by a reference to “securement” in general. However, preferablyadhesive attachment is used. An adhesive securement between a triangularlid panel and an underlying lid support panel may be achieved throughapplying adhesive to either or both of the lid panel and the lid supportpanel, although in some embodiments, adhesive is applied only to the lidsupport panels, and not to the triangular lid panels themselves.

In exemplary embodiments having first, second and third lid supportpanels, the second lid support panel (i.e. the underside thereof) may bein surface to surface contact with at least a portion (e.g. only aportion) of the third lid support panel, and is optionally adhesivelysecured to the at least a portion of the third lid support panel. Thesecond triangular lid panel (i.e. the underside thereof) may be insurface to surface contact with at least a portion of the second lidsupport panel, and preferably the entire surface thereof, and ispreferably adhesively secured to the at least a portion of the secondlid support panel. The second triangular lid panel may additionally bein surface to surface contact with at least a portion of the third lidsupport panel, and preferably only a portion thereof, and is optionallyis adhesively secured to the at least a portion of the third lid supportpanel. The first triangular lid panel (i.e. the underside thereof) is insurface to surface contact with at least a portion of the first lidsupport panel, and preferably the entire surface thereof, and ispreferably adhesively secured thereto.

The lid support panels may be of any suitable shape, and may vary inshape. For example, the lid support panels may be triangular, or foursided, or a combination thereof. For example, the lid support panels mayeach be either trapezoidal or triangular in shape. The lid supportpanels may include at least one triangular panel and at least onetrapezoidal panel. In some embodiments having first to third lid supportpanels, the first support panel is triangular, and the second and thirdlid support panels are trapezoidal. However, other arrangements may beused e.g. all three lid support panels may be trapezoidal. Trapezoidallid support panels may differ in size and shape.

It will be appreciated that the configuration of the lid support panels,and the way in which they are used to support the first and secondtriangular lid panels e.g. including factors such as the extent of thearea of the triangular lid panels which overlaps lid support panel(s),which panels overlap one another, the extent of any overlap, or evenwhether any overlap is present, the sequence of folding of the lidsupport panels, and the location of any securement between lid supportpanels and/or the triangular lid panels, may vary depending upon e.g.the configuration of the carton, and the nature of the machinery used toassemble the carton.

It is desirable that no lid support panel underlying the secondtriangular lid panel extends over the second foldine connecting thesecond triangular lid panel to the first triangular lid panel in theassembled carton. Preferably the or each lid support panel underlyingthe second triangular lid panel has an edge which is aligned with a lineextending across the interior of the carton at the first end i.e. adiagonal line. The line may extend between and connect the side panelsto which the lid support panels are connected. It will be appreciatedthat the edge of the or each lid support panel aligned with the linewill be a free edge thereof. The edges may be aligned so as to define acontinuous line. Preferably a plurality of lid support panels areprovided underlying the second triangular lid panel having edges alignedwith one another along the (same) line. Preferably the line does notextend beyond, and most preferably corresponds to the position of thefoldline connecting the second triangular lid panel to the firsttriangular lid panel (in the assembled carton). The line then connectscorners of the second triangular lid panel. Preferably a plurality oflid support panels are provided underlying the second triangular lidpanel having edges aligned with one another along a line correspondingto the position of the foldline connecting the second triangular lidpanel to the first triangular lid panel (in the assembled carton). Thus,edges of the second and third lid support panels in embodiments havingfirst to third lid support panels preferably align in this manner. Thisis desirable to enable the lid support panel(s) to support the secondtriangular lid panel but without the folded lid support panelsinterfering with the ability to fold the second triangular lid panelalong the foldline connecting the second triangular lid panel to thefirst triangular lid panel for use in closing the first end of thecarton. The size and shape of the lid support panels is preferablyselected to enable them to be aligned in this manner. It will beappreciated that the alignment refers to the alignment when the lidsupport panels are folded in the assembled carton. The shape andconfiguration of the lid support panels underlying the second triangularlid panel may vary, and may be chosen as desired, but is preferably suchas to provide the above described alignment of the edges of the panels.

In a similar manner, preferably the lid support panel underlying thefirst triangular lid panel e.g. the first lid support panel does notextend over the foldline connecting the second triangular lid panel tothe first triangular lid panel.

The second end of the carton is preferably a closed second end. Thefirst and second ends of the carton are opposite ends. The second end ofthe carton may be provided by a plurality of panels. In some embodimentsthe panels are connected to different ones of the plurality of sidewallsalong respective foldlines, and preferably a panel for use in providingthe closed second end of the carton is connected to each one of the sidepanels of the carton. In some embodiments the second end does notinclude a sloping face i.e. it has a flat end. The second end may thenbe a rectilinear flat end. In other embodiments the second end comprisesa sloping face which is preferably constructed in the same manner as thesloping face at the first end of the carton.

In embodiments the carton also has a sloping face at the second end ofthe carton, wherein the sloping face is defined by a first triangularlid panel at the second end of the carton, wherein a first edge of thefirst triangular lid panel is connected along a foldline to the end of afirst one of the side panels at the second end of the carton, the cartonfurther comprising a second triangular lid panel at the second end ofthe carton providing an end face for the carton at the second end of thecarton, wherein a first edge of the second triangular lid panel isconnected to a second edge of the first triangular lid panel along afoldline, the carton further comprising a plurality of lid supportpanels underlying the first and second triangular lid panels at thesecond end of the carton.

In these embodiments, the components used to provide the sloping faceand to close the second end of the carton may include any or all of thefeatures described in relation to the corresponding components at thefirst end of the carton e.g. the configuration and/or interaction of thevarious panels, foldlines, shape of the side panels, lid support panelsetc. Thus, any feature described above in relation to a component of thefirst end of the carton e.g. the first triangular lid panel, secondtriangular lid panel, lid support panel (including a first, second orthird lid support panel) etc. is equally applicable to the correspondingfeature at the second end of the carton. The second end may comprise acorresponding set of panels to the first end for providing a closed endincorporating a sloping face. The second triangular lid panel at thesecond end of the carton may provide a flat end face i.e. endmost faceat the second end of the carton. As described in relation to the firstend, preferably the or each lid support panel underlying the secondtriangular lid panel at the second end of the carton has an edge whichis aligned with a line extending across the interior of the carton atthe second end i.e. a diagonal line. Preferably the line does not extendbeyond, and most preferably corresponds to the position of the foldlineconnecting the second triangular lid panel to the first triangular lidpanel at the second end of the carton (in the assembled carton). Thearrangement may incorporate any of the features described in relation tothe first end of the carton.

It will be appreciated that while in preferred embodiments thecomponents are associated with the same side panels as the correspondingcomponents at the first end of the carton e.g. the first triangular lidpanel at each end is connected to the opposed ends of the same (first)side panel etc., this is not necessarily the case, and the “a first oneof the side panels” at the second end of the carton need not be thefirst side panel to which the first triangular lid panel is connected atthe first end of the carton.

In some preferred embodiments the carton is symmetrical about atransverse centreline, and preferably also about a longitudinalcentreline.

In any of its aspects or embodiments the carton may be of any suitabledimensions, depending upon the intended purpose of the carton.

The carton is made from a foldable sheet material such as cardboard,paperboard or other lightweight foldable sheet material. However, anysuitable sheet material may be used, for example a plastics material.The plastics material should be of appropriate rigidity to enable thematerial to be folded, while maintaining the shape of the carton. Thecarton may comprise any suitable arrangement of construction flaps orother means to retain the respective parts in its dimensional state.

The carton may be made from a number of separate parts assembledtogether in an appropriate manner. Preferably the carton is constructedfrom a blank of material. The blank is preferably a single piece blank.

As mentioned above, the carton is advantageously assembled using a fullyautomated process. In accordance with a further aspect of the inventionthere is provided a method of erecting the carton in accordance with anyof the aspects or embodiments of the invention herein described from ablank of foldable sheet material, wherein the method is performedentirely by machine.

The present invention extends to a blank of foldable sheet material formaking a carton in accordance with the invention in any of its aspectsor embodiments, preferably wherein the blank is a single piece blank.The present invention in this further aspect may include any or all ofthe features described in relation to the earlier aspects andembodiments of the invention i.e. for providing a carton having any ofthe features earlier described.

The blank comprises a plurality of side panels for providing the sidepanels of the erected carton, a first triangular lid panel for providingthe first triangular lid panel which provides the sloping face of thecarton at the first end thereof, the first triangular lid panel of theblank being connected to the end of a first one of the side panels ofthe blank along a foldline at an end which will be located at the firstend of the carton, the blank further comprising a second triangular lidpanel connected to the first triangular lid panel along a foldline forproviding the second triangular lid panel providing the end face for thecarton at the first end thereof, the blank further comprising aplurality of lid support panels for providing the lid support panels ofthe carton, the lid support panels of the blank being foldable tounderlie the first and second triangular lid panels at the first end ofthe carton in the erected carton. It will be appreciated that each ofthe lid support panels underlies at least one, and preferably only oneof the triangular lid panels.

The present invention also extends to a method of erecting the blank inaccordance with these further aspects and embodiments of the inventionto provide a carton in accordance with the invention. The method ispreferably performed entirely by machine i.e. is a fully automatedmethod. The method may comprise partially erecting the blank to providea partially erected carton having side panels, folding the lid supportpanels toward the interior of the partially erected carton, folding thefirst triangular lid panel about the foldline connecting the firsttriangular lid panel to the first side panel, and folding the secondtriangular lid panel about the foldline connecting the second triangularlid panel to the first triangular lid panel, and securing (preferablyadhesively) each of the first and second triangular lid panels to one ormore lid support panel underlying the respective lid support panel toprovide a closed first end to the carton. Although in the exemplaryembodiments described, the securing of a triangular lid panel tounderlying lid support panel(s) is achieved through adhesive applied tothe underlying lid support panel(s), it is envisaged that this mayalternatively be achieved through applying adhesive to the triangularlid panel alternatively or additionally to applying adhesive to the lidsupport panel(s).

It will be appreciated that the first and second triangular lid panelsmay be handled as one component, and the folding about the foldlineconnecting the first triangular lid panel to the first side panel, andthe foldline connecting the second triangular lid panel to the firsttriangular lid panel may take place as part of the action of drawing thefirst and second triangular lid panels over the lid support panels foruse in closing the end of the carton. Such a step is ideally suited tobeing performed by a machine.

Preferably each lid support panel is folded in turn. Preferably adhesiveis applied to at least some, and optionally each lid support panel, asthe lid support panel is folded.

It will also be appreciated that the first or second triangular lidsupport panel may be secured to one or more of the underlying lidsupport panels where multiple lid support panels underlie the triangularlid panel. Furthermore, in some embodiments, only a single lid supportpanel may underlie the or each triangular lid support panel. Variousarrangements are discussed above.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided ablank of foldable sheet material for making a carton having a first endand a second end, a plurality of side panels, and a sloping face at thefirst end of the carton, wherein the sloping face is defined by a firsttriangular lid panel at the first end of the carton, wherein a firstedge of the first triangular lid panel is connected along a foldline tothe end of a first one of the side panels at the first end of thecarton, the carton further comprising a second triangular lid panel atthe first end of the carton providing an end face for the carton,wherein a first edge of the second triangular lid panel is connected toa second edge of the first triangular lid panel along a foldline, thecarton further comprising a plurality of lid support panels underlyingthe first and second triangular lid panels at the first end of thecarton;

-   -   wherein the blank comprises a plurality of side panels for        providing the side panels of the erected carton, a first        triangular lid panel for providing the first triangular lid        panel which provides the sloping face of the carton at the first        end thereof, the first triangular lid panel of the blank being        connected along a foldline to the end of a first one of the side        panels of the blank at an end which will be located at the first        end of the carton, the blank further comprising a second        triangular lid panel connected to the first triangular lid panel        along a foldline for providing the second triangular lid panel        providing the end face for the carton at the first end thereof,        the blank further comprising a plurality of lid support panels        for providing the lid support panels of the carton, the lid        support panels of the blank being foldable to underlie the first        and second triangular lid panels in the erected carton.        Preferably the blank is a single piece blank.

The present invention also extends to a method of erecting the blank inaccordance with this further aspect of the invention to provide thecarton. The method may comprise partially erecting the blank to providea partially erected carton having side panels, folding the lid supportpanels toward the interior of the partially erected carton, folding thefirst triangular lid panel about the foldline connecting the lid panelto the first side panel, folding the second triangular lid panel aboutthe foldline connecting the lid panel to the first triangular lid panel,and securing each of the first and second triangular lid panels to oneor more lid support panel underlying the respective triangular lid panelto provide a closed first end to the carton. The partially erectedcarton having side panels will have closed sides defined by the sidepanels.

The method is preferably a fully automated method. The method maycomprise folding a lid support panel toward the interior of thepartially erected carton and applying adhesive thereto in a single step,and securing the first triangular lid panel thereto, and/or folding alid support panel toward the interior of the partially erected cartonand applying adhesive thereto in a single step, and securing the secondtriangular lid panel thereto. Preferably each lid support panel isfolded in turn. Preferably adhesive is applied to at least some, andoptionally each lid support panel, as the lid support panel is folded.It is advantageous to fold a lid support panel and apply adhesivethereto in a single step using a machine. However, it will beappreciated that the sequence of folding panels, the sequence ofapplying adhesive, and/or the location(s) of adhesive applied may varydepending upon the machinery e.g. packing line used. For example, it isenvisaged that adhesive may additionally or alternatively be applied tothe first or second triangular lid panel. This could be carried out withor without application of adhesive to the lid support panel(s). Forexample, adhesive could be applied only to the triangular lid panels aspart of a final closure step. However, application of adhesive to thelid support panel(s), (and in embodiments to the lid support panel(s)and not the triangular lid panels), may be advantageous in terms of easeof construction of the carton using a machine, as adhesive may be morereadily applied to the relevant surface of the lid support panel as partof a single step in which the panel is also folded.

The blank in accordance with these further aspects and embodiments, andthe method of erecting the blank, may include any or all of the featuresdescribed in the earlier aspects and embodiments relating to a blank,and may include features for providing any of the features described inrelation to the carton in the earlier aspects of the invention.

In accordance with any of the further aspects or embodiments of theinvention relating to a blank, the side panels of the blank are arrangedin a row. The blank preferably comprises first, second, third and fourthside panels for providing first, second, third and fourth side panels ofthe carton. While any suitable arrangement may be used which enables thecarton to be partially erected into a three-dimensional form, the firstand second side panels, second and third side panels, and first andfourth panels are preferably connected to one another respectively byfoldlines. The foldlines are parallel. The first and second side panelsprovide intermediate panels connected along foldlines at each side edgeof the side panel to an adjacent one of the panels. The first and fourthside panels provide end panels of the blank. A glue flap is preferablyconnected to a side edge of the third side panel along a foldline forconnection to the fourth side panel in erecting the carton. Preferablythe first and second side panels are trapezoidal in shape. The sidepanels are connected along the shorter parallel edges of the trapezoids.Preferably the third and fourth side panels are parallelograms.

The step of partially erecting the blank to provide a partially erectedcarton may, in embodiments, comprise folding the blank along thefoldlines connecting the first and second, second and third, and firstand fourth side panels respectively, and securing the glue flap attachedto the third side panel to the fourth side panel to provide a threedimensional semi-erected carton having side panels (i.e. having closedsides defined by the side panels).

Whatever the construction of the blank, preferably a lid support panelis connected to the end edge of each one of the side panels of thecarton other than the first side panel to which the first triangularpanel is attached, each lid support panel being connected to itsrespective side panel along a respective foldline for use in closing thefirst end. In preferred embodiments in which the blank comprises first,second, third and fourth side panels, the blank may include a first lidsupport panel connected to the end edge of the second side panel along afoldline, a second lid support panel connected to the end edge of thethird side panel along a foldline, and a third lid support panelconnected to an end edge of the fourth side panel along a foldline atthe ends of the side panels which will be located at the first end ofthe carton.

In these embodiments in which the blank comprises first, second andthird lid support panels, the method of erecting the blank may comprisepartially erecting the blank to provide a partially erected cartonhaving side panels;

folding the third lid support panel toward the interior of the partiallyerected carton, and optionally applying adhesive to the outer surface ofthe third lid support panel;then folding the second lid support panel toward the interior of thecarton so as to overlie at least a portion of the third lid supportpanel, and applying adhesive to the outer surface of the second lidsupport panel;and, before or after said folding the third lid support panel andfolding the second lid support panel to overlie at least a portion ofthe second lid support panel, folding the first lid support panel towardthe interior of the partially erected carton, and applying adhesive tothe outer surface of the first lid support panel;and then folding the first triangular lid panel about the foldlineconnecting it to the first side panel, and the second triangular lidpanel about the foldline connecting it to the first triangular lidpanel, and adhesively securing the first triangular lid panel to thefirst lid support panel and the second triangular lid panel to thesecond lid support panel to provide a closed first end to the carton.The second triangular lid panel may also be adhesively secured to thethird lid support panel. Folding each of the lid support panelsindividually in this manner has been found to be particularly suited tomachine implementation. It will be seen that in some exemplaryembodiments, the method involves folding the lid support panels in thefollowing order; first lid support panel, third lid support panel,second lid support panel, while in other exemplary embodiments themethod may involve folding the lid support panels in the order; thirdlid support panel, second lid support panel, first lid support panel.Preferably the folding of a lid support panel and the application ofadhesive thereto is carried out in a single step i.e. by a machine.However, as described above, the sequence of folding the lid supportpanels, and the location or timing of application of adhesive may varydepending upon the machinery used.

As described above, in any of the embodiments of the invention,preferably, when folded, the or each lid support panel underlying thesecond triangular lid panel has an edge which is aligned with a lineextending across the interior of the carton at the first end i.e. adiagonal line. Preferably a plurality of lid support panels are providedunderlying the second triangular lid panel having edges aligned with oneanother along the (same) line. Preferably the line does not extendbeyond, and most preferably corresponds to the position of the foldlineconnecting the second triangular lid panel to the first triangular lidpanel (in the assembled carton). Preferably a plurality of lid supportpanels are provided underlying the second triangular lid panel (i.e. thesecond and third lid support panels) having edges aligned with oneanother along a line corresponding to the position of the foldlineconnecting the second triangular lid panel to the first triangular lidpanel (in the assembled carton). The method may therefore involvefolding the lid support panel(s) so that they are aligned in any of theabove manners.

Regardless of the configuration of side panels and other panels, theblank preferably comprises a plurality of panels for providing a closedsecond end of the erected carton. Where the blank comprises first,second, third and fourth side panels, preferably one panel for use inproviding the closed second end of the carton is connected to each oneof the first, second, third and fourth panels along respectivefoldlines. In some embodiments the carton may not include a sloping faceat the second end thereof. The panels may then be for providing a flatsecond end to the erected carton. In other embodiments the carton alsohas a sloping face at the second end of the carton, wherein the slopingface is defined by a first triangular lid panel at the second end of thecarton, wherein a first edge of the first triangular lid panel isconnected along a foldline to the end of a first one of the side panelsat the end of the side panel at the second end of the carton, the cartonfurther comprising a second triangular lid panel at the second end ofthe carton providing an end face for the carton at the second endthereof, wherein a first edge of the second triangular lid panel isconnected to a second edge of the first triangular lid panel along afoldline, the carton further comprising a plurality of lid supportpanels underlying the first and second triangular lid panels at thesecond end of the carton.

The blank may then comprise a first triangular lid panel for providingthe first triangular lid panel which provides the sloping face of thecarton at the second end thereof, the first triangular lid panel of theblank being connected to the end of a first one of the side panels ofthe blank along a foldline at the end of the blank which will providethe second end of the carton, the blank further comprising a secondtriangular lid panel connected to the first triangular lid panel along afoldline for providing the second triangular lid panel providing the endface for the carton at the second end thereof, the blank furthercomprising a plurality of lid support panels for providing the lidsupport panels of the carton at the second end thereof, the lid supportpanels of the blank being foldable to underlie the first and secondtriangular lid panels at the second end of the carton in the erectedcarton.

In any of the embodiments of the invention, whether or not the secondend of the carton includes a sloping face, the method of erecting theblank may comprise using the plurality of panels for providing a closedsecond end to the carton to close the second end of the carton. This maybe carried out as part of the step of providing the partially erectedcarton. Thus, such a method may comprise partially erecting the blank toprovide a partially erected carton having a closed second end and closedsides. It will be appreciated that the step of closing the second endmay be carried out before, simultaneously with, or after the step ofclosing the first end of the carton. In embodiments in which the cartondoes not include a sloping face at the second end, this step ispreferably carried out before the step of closing the first end.

Where the second end comprises a sloping face, the method of erectingthe blank may comprise folding the lid support panels toward theinterior of the partially erected carton at the second end thereof,folding the first triangular lid panel about the foldline connecting thelid panel to the first side panel, folding the second triangular lidpanel about the foldline connecting the second triangular lid panel tothe first triangular lid panel, and securing each of the first andsecond triangular lid panels to one or more lid support panel underlyingthe respective triangular lid panel to provide a closed second end tothe carton.

Whatever the configuration of the second end, the steps involved inproviding the side panels (i.e. closed sides defined by the side panels)and the closed second end of the carton during erection thereof may beperformed sequentially in any order, or simultaneously. Preferably inembodiments of the blank having first, second, third and fourth sidepanels with a glue flap connected to the third side panel, the glue flapis secured to the fourth side panel to provide the semi-erected cartonhaving closed sides, and the panels then used to close the second end ofthe erected carton.

As mentioned above, any suitable steps may be used in providing thepartially erected carton, and it is not necessary that the blank is ofthe configuration of the examples set out above, or that it is erectedas described in the above exemplary arrangements. However, the partiallyerected carton is obtained, the present invention is concerned with theway in which the first end (and in some embodiments, the second end)thereof is closed, so as to provide a sloping face at the respectiveend.

Any reference to the first and second ends of the carton may be replacedby a reference to the top and bottom ends thereof respectively. It willbe appreciated that references to top, bottom, upper etc. or first andsecond end, herein are not intended to confer any limitation in theintended orientation of the carton in use, or its function, but serve todistinguish the ends of the carton from one another. For example, wherethe first end is referred to as a top end of the carton, the slopingface is an upper sloping face, a first edge of the first triangular lidpanel being connected along a foldline to the top of a first one of theside panels, and the second triangular panel provides a top face of thecarton.

In those embodiments including first, second and third lid supportpanels, the application of adhesive to the second lid support panel isoptional, but may be used to provide additional closure strength to theapplicable end of the carton. A fold line as referred to herein refersto any line about which components have been folded. The fold line maycomprise a line of weakness, creaseline and/or perforations. If notexplicitly stated, and unless inconsistent therewith, any connectiondescribed herein may be about a foldline.

The present invention in accordance with any of its further aspects orembodiments may include any of the features described in reference toother aspects or embodiments of the invention to the extent it is notmutually inconsistent therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by wayof example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above and one side showing a carton inaccordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the carton shown in FIG. 1 from the front;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton shown in FIG. 1 from the sameside as FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a blank for forming the carton of FIG. 1 from the surfacethat will form the exterior of the carton;

FIG. 5 shows a first stage in an embodiment of a process of closing thetop end of the semi erected blank of FIG. 4 to produce the carton ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a second stage in the process of closing the top end of thesemi erected blank of FIG. 4 to produce the carton of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a third stage in the process of closing the top end of thesemi erected blank of FIG. 4 to produce the carton of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a fourth stage in the process of closing the top end of thesemi erected blank of FIG. 4 to produce the carton of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates a carton from above in accordance with a secondembodiment of the invention;

and

FIG. 10 illustrates a blank for use in providing the carton of FIG. 9.

A carton in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention will bedescribed by reference to FIGS. 1-4. FIGS. 1-3 show the erected carton,and FIG. 4 shows the blank 48 from which the carton is erected. Thecarton is formed from a single piece blank. The carton includes first,second, third and fourth side panels 7, 9, 11 and 13 (the fourth sidepanel not shown in FIGS. 1-3). A first edge of a first triangular lidpanel 3 is connected to the first side panel 7 along a first foldline15. A second edge of the first triangular lid panel 3 is connected to afirst edge of a second triangular lid panel 5 along a second foldline17. The first and second triangular lid panels are adhesively secured tounderlying ones of a plurality of lid support panels to close the top ofthe carton. The second triangular lid panel is in the form of a flap.The lid support panels may be seen in FIG. 4, and are described in moredetail below. The first triangular lid panel 3 provides a sloping upperface of the carton, while the second triangular lid panel 5 provides aflat top face to the carton.

The first and second side panels 7, 9 are trapezoidal in shape, and areconnected to one another along the shorter parallel edges of thetrapezoids along a third foldline 19. The third and fourth side panels11, 13 are rectangular in shape. The second side panel 9 is connected tothe third side panel 11 along a fourth foldline 21. Although not shownin FIGS. 1-3, the first side panel 7 is connected to the fourth sidepanel 13 along a fifth foldline 23. The fourth side panel 13 isconnected to the third side panel 11 by adhesively securing a glue flap27 attached to the third side panel 11 to the interior of the fourthside panel 13. The glue flap 27 is connected to the third side panel 11along a sixth foldline 28.

A first lid support panel 29 is attached to the top edge of the secondside panel 9 along a seventh foldline 31. A second lid support panel 33is connected to the top of the third side panel 11 along an eighthfoldline 35. A third lid support panel 37 is connected to the top of thefourth side panel 13 along a ninth foldline 39. The lid support panelsare in the form of flaps. The shape and size of the lid support panelsmay vary from the particular example illustrated.

Each of the first, second, third and fourth side panels has a panel 41,43, 45, 47 respectively connected to the bottom edge thereof along afoldline 49, 51, 55, 53 which are used to provide a closed bottom end tothe carton. The panel 41 provides the flat bottom panel of the carton,with the panels 43, 45, 47 underlying the panel as known in the art.

Erection of the blank 48 shown in FIG. 4 to provide the carton of FIGS.1-3 will now be described by reference to FIGS. 5-8. FIGS. 5-8illustrate an exemplary sequence of steps used in closing the top end ofthe semi erected carton. The process of erecting the carton from theblank is carried out entirely by a machine, i.e. is a fully automatedprocess, and does not require any steps to be manually performed.

The construction of the blank to provide a semi-erected carton will notbe described in detail. Briefly, the blank is partially erected toprovide the semi erected carton of FIG. 5. The blank is folded along thethird, fourth, and fifth foldlines 19, 21, 23 to adopt a threedimensional configuration, and the exterior of the glue flap 27adhesively secured to the interior of the fourth side panel 13 to retainthe semi erected carton in a 3 dimensional configuration having closedsides. The panels 41, 43, 45, 47 are used to provide a closed bottom endto the semi-erected carton.

A particular sequence of steps which may be used to provide a closed topend to the carton will now be described. This particular sequence ismerely exemplary, and it will be appreciated that other sequences may beused depending upon factors such as the type of machinery used toassemble the carton. In the first step, as shown in FIG. 5, the firstlid support panel 29 is folded along the seventh foldline 31 toward theinterior of the semi erected carton in the direction of the arrow shownin FIG. 5, and adhesive is applied to the upper surface thereof. Theapplication of adhesive and folding of the lid support panel may beaccomplished in a single step by a machine.

In the second step, as shown in FIG. 6, the third lid support panel 37is folded inwardly in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6 toward theinterior of the partially erected carton along the ninth foldline 39.Adhesive may optionally be applied to the upper surface of the third lidsupport panel 37 if it is desired to provide the panel with additionalclosure strength. The folding of the third lid support panel 37 and theapplication of adhesive thereto may be accomplished in a single step bya machine.

In the third step, as shown in FIG. 7, the second lid support panel 33is folded in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7 along the eighthfoldline 35 toward the interior of the partially erected carton, so asto overlie a portion of the third lid support panel 37. Adhesive isapplied to the upper surface of the second lid support panel 33. Theapplication of adhesive and folding of the lid support panel may beaccomplished in a single step by a machine.

As may be seen in FIG. 7, once folded, edges of the second and third lidsupport panels 33, 37 are aligned along a line A-A extending across thediagonal of the open end of the carton. This line corresponds to theposition of the foldline 17 connecting the second triangular lid panel 5to the first triangular lid panel 3 when the first and second triangularlid panels are folded over to close the top of the carton in the fourthand final step. This prevents the lid support panels from interferingwith the ability to fold the second triangular lid panel into position.

In the fourth and final step, as shown in FIG. 8, the first and secondtriangular lid panels 3, 5 are folded in the direction of the arrowabout the first and second foldlines 15, 17 as they are brought up toclose the top of the carton. Folding may occur first about the firstfoldline 15 and then about the second foldline 17. The second triangularlid panel is adhesively secured to the upper surface of the second lidsupport panel 33, and optionally to an exposed portion of the third lidsupport panel 37. The first triangular lid panel 3 is adhesively securedto the upper surface of the first lid support panel 29.

The first and second triangular lid panels may be handled as one unit,as they are folded over to close the top of the carton, facilitatingperformance of this step by a machine.

In an alternative exemplary sequence, rather than folding the first lidsupport panel 29 as an initial step before folding the third and secondlid support panels 37, 33, the folding sequence may commence with thefolding of the third lid support panel 37, with the second lid supportpanel 33 being folded second, and the first lid support panel 29 beingfolded third, before the first and second triangular lid panels arebrought up to close the top of the carton. The folding of each lidsupport panel, and the application of adhesive thereto may be inaccordance with the earlier embodiment described.

It will be appreciated that while the end of the carton with the slopingface has been described as the top end thereof, this does not confer anylimitation in terms of function or use, and the end may alternatively bereferred to as a first end.

It will be appreciated that as well as the possible variation in thesequence of folding of panels, the application of adhesive to the lidsupport panels and triangular lid panels may differ from that describedin the above examples, in terms of the location and/or the timing ofadhesive application e.g. depending upon the machinery, e.g. packingline used. It is not necessary that adhesive be applied to each of thelid support panels provided that the triangular lid panels mayultimately be secured in position. Alternatively or additionallyadhesive may be applied to the first or second triangular lid panels.For example it is envisaged that adhesive could be applied only to thefirst and second triangular lid panels as part of the final closure step(and not to the underlying lid support panels), or might only be appliedto the second triangular lid panel. Application of adhesive to the outersurface of a lid support panel is advantageous as this may be achievedat the same time as folding the lid support panel in an automatedprocess.

The alignment of the edges of the lid support panels underlying thesecond triangular lid panel across a diagonal of the open end of thecarton, and preferably so as to be aligned with the foldline connectingthe second triangular lid panel to the first triangular lid panel is anadvantageous feature in its own right, and is not limited to theparticular embodiment, or folding sequence illustrated. Similararrangements may be obtained using different shaped and sized lidsupport panels to those illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 9, a carton 50 in accordance with a second embodimentof the invention is shown. This carton is similar to that of the firstembodiment, but includes a sloping face 56, 58 at both a first 52 andsecond 54 end thereof. The arrangement used to provide the sloping faceat each end of the carton 50 is identical to that used to provide thesloping face at the top end of the carton of the earlier embodiment.Each sloping face 56, 58 is provided by a respective first triangularlid panel at the applicable end of the carton 50. The first triangularlid panel at each end extends toward the opposite end of the carton froman end face of the carton provided by a respective second triangular lidpanel connected along a foldline to the applicable first triangular lidpanel (not visible in FIG. 9).

FIG. 10 illustrates a blank 60 which may be used to provide the carton50. The blank includes identical sets of panels and flaps at each end62, 64 for providing the closed first and second ends 52, 54 of thecarton respectively. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, thefirst and second ends of the carton are interchangeable, and the cartonis symmetrical about a transverse (and longitudinal axis). Thecomponents corresponding to those of the blank 48 of the earlierembodiment are given corresponding reference numerals. The componentsfor providing the closed second end of the carton are given the samereference numerals as those associated with the corresponding structurefor providing the first closed end of the carton, but annotated by a “″”symbol. Thus, the first triangular lid panel at the second end is 3′,the second triangular lid panel at the second end 5′, and the second,third and fourth lid support panels at the second end are 29′, 33′ and37′ respectively, and so on. The corresponding foldlines are labelled ina corresponding manner.

The method of using the set of flaps and panels 64 at the second end toprovide the second closed end incorporating a sloping face may be inaccordance with any of the embodiments described in relation to usingthe set of panels and flaps at the top end of the embodiment of theearlier blank 48 to provide a closed top end to the earlier carton.Thus, the steps involved in using the sets of flaps and panels 62, 64 ofthe blank 60 for providing the closed first and second ends of thecarton may be identical, and may be in accordance with the earlierembodiment. The closing of the first end and second end may occur in anyorder, or simultaneously.

While in the embodiment illustrated the first triangular lid panel, andhence the lid support panels, for providing the second closed endincluding a sloping face, are associated with the same side panels towhich the corresponding components for providing the first closed endincluding a sloping face are associated, this need not be the case.

1. A carton having a first end and a second end, a plurality of side panels, and a sloping face at the first end of the carton, wherein the sloping face is defined by a first triangular lid panel at the first end of the carton, wherein a first edge of the first triangular lid panel is connected along a foldline to the end of a first one of the side panels at the first end of the carton, the carton further comprising a second triangular lid panel at the first end of the carton providing an end face for the carton at the first end of the carton, wherein a first edge of the second triangular lid panel is connected to a second edge of the first triangular lid panel along a foldline, the carton further comprising a plurality of lid support panels underlying the first and second triangular lid panels at the first end of the carton: wherein two adjacent ones of the side panels of the carton, the first and second side panels, are trapezoidal, and a further two adjacent ones of the side panels of the carton, the third and fourth side panels, are parallelograms, wherein the first triangular lid panel extends between and connects the trapezoidal side panels, and the second triangular lid panel extends between and connects the parallelogram shaped side panels.
 2. The carton of claim 1 wherein the first edge of the first triangular lid panel is connected along the foldline to the end edge of the first side panel at the first end of the carton, wherein the foldline connecting the first edge to the end edge of the first side panel is inclined.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The carton of claim 1 wherein the second triangular lid panel is in the form of a flap.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The carton of claim 1 wherein a third edge of the first triangular lid panel extends along an inclined end edge of the second side panel at the first end of the carton.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The carton of claim 1 wherein the first and second side panels are connected to one another along the shorter parallel sides of the trapezoids.
 9. The carton of claim 6 wherein the first triangular lid panel defines a point furthest from the first end of the carton corresponding to the point at which the first and third edges of the first triangular panel meet.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The carton of claim 1 wherein each lid support panel is in the form of a flap.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The carton of claim 1 wherein the first and second triangular lid panels are adhesively secured to respective ones of the lid support panels.
 14. The carton of claim 1 wherein a plurality of overlapping lid support panels underlie the second triangular lid panel at the first end of the carton.
 15. The carton of claim 1 wherein a plurality of lid support panels are provided underlying the second triangular lid panel at the first end of the carton, the lid support panels having edges aligned with one another along a line corresponding to the position of the foldline connecting the second triangular lid panel to the first triangular lid panel.
 16. The carton of claim 1 wherein the carton comprises first, second, third and fourth side panels, and first, second and third lid support panels are attached to the second, third and fourth side panels respectively, wherein the second lid support panel is in surface to surface contact with at least a portion of the third lid support panel, and the second triangular panel is in surface to surface contact with at least a portion of the second lid support panel.
 17. The carton of claim 16 wherein the second lid support panel is in surface to surface contact with at least a portion of the third lid support panel.
 18. The carton of claim 17 wherein the second lid support panel overlaps at least a portion of the third lid support panel.
 19. The carton of claim 1 wherein the second triangular panel provides a flat end face to the carton at the first end thereof.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The carton of claim 1 wherein the carton comprises first, second, third and fourth panels, and the third side panel comprises a glue flap extending along a side edge thereof, which is connected to the fourth side panel.
 22. The carton of claim 21 wherein the first, second, third and fourth side panels are connected to one another along respective fold lines.
 23. The carton of claim 1 wherein the carton also has a sloping face at the second end of the carton, wherein the sloping face is defined by a first triangular lid panel at the second end of the carton, wherein a first edge of the first triangular lid panel is connected along a foldline to the end of a first one of the side panels at the second end of the carton, the carton further comprising a second triangular lid panel at the second end of the carton providing an end face for the carton at the second end thereof, wherein a first edge of the second triangular lid panel is connected to a second edge of the first triangular lid panel at the second end of the carton along a foldline, the carton further comprising a plurality of lid support panels underlying the first and second triangular lid panels at the second end of the carton.
 24. The carton of claim 13 wherein the carton comprises a plurality of further side panels in addition to the first side panel, and a lid support panel is connected along a foldline to an edge of each of the second, third and fourth side panels of the carton.
 25. The carton of claim 1 wherein the carton is formed from a single piece blank.
 26. A blank of foldable sheet material for making a carton in accordance with claim 1 the blank comprising a plurality of side panels for providing the side panels of the erected carton, a first triangular lid panel for providing the first triangular lid panel which provides the sloping face of the carton at the first end thereof, the first triangular lid panel of the blank being connected to the end of a first one of the side panels of the blank along a foldline at an end which will be located at the first end of the carton, the blank further comprising a second triangular lid panel connected to the first triangular lid panel along a foldline for providing the second triangular lid panel providing the end face for the carton at the first end thereof, the blank further comprising a plurality of lid support panels for providing the lid support panels of the carton, the lid support panels of the blank being foldable to underlie the first and second triangular lid panels in the erected carton. 27-30. (canceled) 